Long ago, these Mediterranean islands and ports were the landing places for an endless tide of invaders from far off lands. From ancient Phoenisia, Persia, the Peloponnesus, Imperial Rome and Constantinople they came. Followed by waives of European Crusader knights, Genoan mariners, Venetian merchants and turbaned Turkish troops of the Ottoman Empire. They stormed ashore to conquer, only to be vanquished by time and absorbed into the dry volcanic earth.

All that remains are their stone ruins, ghostly shapes wrapped in myth and mystery. Today the sun-spangled seas bordered by Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia and the Dalmatian Coasts are inviting playgrounds for pleasure seekers. Join us as we explore a yachtsman's paradise on forgotten islands where white-washed sands invite sun worshipers to bask under Helios' gaze, or fortress-like rocks where ancient monasteries cling like mountain climbers on towering cliffs.

Or stand where battling armies fought hand-to-hand in Troy and Gallipoli. Walk through iron doors of medieval Kastros where tales of pagan rites and knightly rituals are told. Inhale the balm of almond and lemon at the place where Hippocrates taught his healing arts. The Dodecanese, the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Dardanelles Islands and places that fairly sing on the tongue. And no one knows these favoured lands and seas as well as Star Clippers.

Highlights

Walking in the shadow of the Acropolis in the Agora, you can almost hear the voices of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle arguing about who was the greatest philosopher. Ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy and epicenter of western civilization, is a city for all eternity.

One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek Islands, Mykonos is a contrast of rocky hills and beautiful beaches. Hora, the capital, spreads around a colourful harbour, a popular meeting place, overlooked by a variety of tavernas, in which fishing boats nestle side by side with luxury yachts.

The island of Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. Around 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption destroyed the centre of the island, leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs around a harbour formed in the volcano's caldera.

The beach at little Katákolon is an inviting diversion, but you will surely want to go inland to Olympia for bigger game. Set in a stunningly lovely valley overlooked by Kronos Hill, Olympia began hosting athletic games in the 11th century BC. Walk through the sacred Temples of Zeus and Hera, stand on the still visible starting line in Stadium and imagine the chariots about to hurtle around the Hippodrome.

The lushest (and some say the loveliest) of all the Greek Islands, Corfu lies just a stone's throw from the Albanian coast. Nowhere is the stunning natural beauty of Corfu more evident than in the small village of Paleocastritsa, where legend says Odysseus was washed ashore to be rescued by Nausicaa.

This stunning rock-walled chasm splitting the coastal mountains of Montenegro is the longest arm of the sea in southern Europe. Boka harbours one of the prettiest, unspoiled towns you'll ever see, the medieval city of Kotor. Founded by the Romans, fortified during the Byzantine era, then ruled by Venice for much of its history, Kotor has been naturally preserved by its isolation.

It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik.” Indeed, Dubrovnik is a treasure by any measure made more precious by its miraculous restoration. Crowned by the Minceta Tower, the 10th century city walls are the proud symbol of Dubrovnik's colourful history.

Framed by dense green forests of allepo pine and twisted cypress, the red tile roofs of Korcula, whose most famous native son was Marco Polo, form an inviting picture. The pale wheat-coloured stone Cathedral of St. Mark houses a treasure trove of Dalmatia

The heavenly scent of lavender perfumes the air in the fields and valleys around the island of Hvar. Idyllically located just off the Dalmatian Coast, the island and the little port named after it have been a favorite getaway ever since the time of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and even Austro-Hungarian royalty.

The warm sands of Cikat Bay, situated near the port of Mali Losinj where we anchor, are an irresistible magnet for beachgoers. And no wonder, the beach is 30 kilometres long and offers every watersport imaginable. For those who prefer to wander farther afield, our bicycle tour takes you around the island past the fortified town of Veli Losinj.

Venice is the heart and soul of romance. Cast your eye on the rounded domes of San Marco, take a deep breath at the Bridge of Sighs, gaze on the golden lions and the Renaissance glories of the Doge's Palace, listen for the ghosts of Verdi, Puccini and Caruso at La Fenice Opera House, gape at the classic Palladian proportions of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, glide in a gondola down the Grand Canal. And know that love is always in the air in Venice.

Owners Suite

Additional charges:

Port Charges: 470 AUD pp

Star Flyer

Vessel Type: Tall Ship

Length: 109.7 m

Passenger Capacity: 170

Star Flyer is a true clipper ship reflecting it's proud heritage in every inch of her polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Step aboard this unique vessel and discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day. Star Flyer is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Flyer is 360 feet long and carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort.

Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like traveling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined on Star Flyer. Ship offers spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one, but two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll find that this ship offers more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.

The décor of Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.

All Star Clippers ships feature open-seating dining in an elegantly appointed dining room, our convivial indoor-outdoor Tropical Bar and Piano Bar, and an Edwardian style library where a Belle Époque fireplace glows with a warmth that reflects the friendliness and enthusiasm of Star Clippers’ hospitable officers and crew.

A variety of excursions are available and bookable onboard.

Back to Back Cruises & Early Bird Discount on Voyages aboard Star Flyer

Back to Back Cruises: If you wish to sail 1 or more consecutive cruises, they will be discounted by 5%. This discount is combinable with Early Booking Discount and is valid for all categories except guaranteed single.

Early Booking Discount (EBD): Availability of EBD will be confirmed at time of booking. Early booking discounts do not apply to port charges. At times, EBD booking deadlines may be extended. Please contact us for more details.

Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.

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